Saturday, December 31, 2011

Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations - Rejuvenate Yourself!!!


Lumbini
Lumbini is situated in the district of Rupandehi in Nepal. It is regarded as the holiest place for the Buddhist, where Lord Buddha was born in 623 B.C. The place is considered as one of the four Parinirvana places as preached by Lord Buddha himself. Various Buddhist temples are situated in Lumbini including Maya Devi temple, International Gautami Nuns temple, Myanmar temple, China temple, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara and Nepal Buddha temple. Religious rituals are performed in these temple and festivals are celebrated during the Buddha Purnima.

Bodhgaya
The small town of Bodhgaya is located in the district of Gaya, Bihar. The place is a famous Pilgrimage destination for Buddhist where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The major attractions of the place are Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree under which lord Buddha had meditated while attaining enlightenment. Bodhgaya also offers other pilgrimage sites such Vajrasana, the place at which Buddha sat during his meditation, the Chankaraamana and magnificent statues of Lord Buddha. The town is enhanced with amazing Stupas, Chaityas and the Monestery.

Sarnath
Sarnath is a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims, located in the city of Varanasi. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples at Sarnath. The main Buddhist temple is Mulagandhakuti Vihar with an image of Buddha and also houses some of the finest paintings associated with the life history of Buddha. Pilgrims all over the world flocks at this holy place during the Buddha Purnima and the whole ambience gets sacred, due to the enchanting of mantras. There are number of monasteries located at Sarnath like Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Digamber Jain temple etc.

Kushinagar
Kushinagar is highly revered place for the Buddhist where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (great complete nirvana). The place holds the great importance as Buddha died here and was cremated in Rambhar, which falls in the same region. Main attraction of Mahaparinirvana temple is showcasing of “dieing Buddha” laying down on his right side. The other attractions of the city are Ramabhar stupa, Meditation park, Nirvana temple, International Buddha trust etc.

Sankashya
Sankashya is one of the sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. It is said to be believe that when Lord Buddha returned back to the earth, a great assembly was conducted here which was attended by the kings and people of the eight kingdoms.

Sravasti
Sravasti is an important religious destination for the Buddhists, situated in the Gonda District near the Rapti river in the northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh. At Sravasti Lord Buddha have performed many miracles to astonish rival teachers. Lord Buddha had spent 25 years living in the monastery of Jetavana and Pubbarama. The important shrines of the Buddhist pilgrims in Sravasti are Saheth and Maheth.

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